The United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement urging a de-escalation of violence in Syria, as the conflict intensifies in the northern regions of the country. Released on Sunday (Washington time), the statement expresses concern over the ongoing military escalation and its impact on civilians.
The four countries called for all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and infrastructure, to prevent further displacement and disruptions to humanitarian aid. The statement emphasized that the current military escalation highlights the urgent need for a Syrian-led political solution to the conflict, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a political transition in Syria.
The escalation follows a series of airstrikes by Syrian and Russian jets targeting opposition forces in northern Syria, in retaliation for a sudden offensive by rebel groups. This offensive has resulted in the loss of control of Syria’s second-largest city, Aleppo, by regime forces and the capture of key military bases and territory in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. The offensive has met limited resistance from Syrian forces, while Iran and Russia, key allies of the Assad regime, are currently distracted by other conflicts.
The rebel success in northern Syria represents the most significant challenge to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in eight years, as Russian air support had previously been pivotal in reversing rebel gains during the long-running civil war. The developments underscore the complexity of the situation and the growing international concern over the lack of a political solution to the ongoing crisis in Syria.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
